It is a universally accepted saying that “you are what you eat.” That implies that your skin, mental, and physical well-being depend on the nourishment you give to your body. However, these food choices can also benefit you in several other ways.
Aging is an amazing process that can not be avoided, nor should we want to. However, it comes with some drawbacks that could affect your skin appearance. Free radicals and life stressors are other factors responsible for skin damage. Over time, these factors can have adverse effects on your skin.
Diets packed with fruits and vegetables are the best for achieving a youthful and healthy appearance. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it will often reflect what you feed it. Eating foods loaded with essential nutrients, antioxidants, water, and healthy fats helps you achieve that youthful radiance you crave.
If you are ready to fight those fine lines and dull skin for firm skin and a healthier glow, here are 11 anti-aging foods that can help you achieve glowing skin.
1. Papaya
It is rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants such as magnesium, vitamins A, C, E, and K, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin B-complex. These are responsible for eliminating wrinkles, fine lines and enhancing skin elasticity.
It is a sweet superfood that contains papain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. It prevents the damages caused by free radicals from affecting your skin and is usually used as a skincare ingredient.
You can make a papaya face mask or add a little lemon to it for a delightful taste.
2. Sunflower Seeds
These seeds are obtained from the sunflower plant. They are rich in niacin, folate, vitamin B1, manganese, phosphorus, copper, vitamin B6, magnesium, and selenium.
One major component of sunflower seeds that is vital for a healthy skin structure is vitamin E.
Vitamin E is a major healer of the skin and supplies the skin with natural reviving protection for any disease or infection.
3. The Citrus Family (Oranges, Tangerine, etc)
Did you know that you could consume more than 80% of your daily vitamin C value in just one small size of orange?
Apart from combating the common cold, vitamin C helps to heal diseases and destroy free radicals due. This is thanks to its antioxidant properties.
Additionally, vitamin C contains anti-scurvy properties and is very helpful in collagen secretion. Scurvy is a skin defect that results in visible lesions and makes the skin susceptible to injuries with a reduced healing ability.
Include an orange in your lunch pack and sprinkle some lime or lemon on your salad or glass of water to get that awesome glow always.
4. Carrots
Beta carotene is a primary component of carrots which makes the skin supple and firm. You can see the way rabbits (lovers of carrots) appear energetic, wrinkle-free, and fluffy.
The orange color of carrots comes from the carotenoid content of beta carotene. Your skin and other body organs metabolize this essential nutrient. Beta carotene has been found to protect the skin from sun damage.
5. Avocado
There are several ways to eat avocados ranging from adding it to your salad, eating it alone, or blending it into your smoothie. Avocados contain B-vitamins, vitamins A, C, E, and K, and potassium.
Vitamin A helps to eliminate dead cells from your skin. Avocado also contains fatty acids that fight inflammation and increase skin suppleness and smoothness.
6. Eggs
Eggs are a good source of vitamin D. Although the largest source of this vitamin is the sun, it is not enough to depend on only sunshine.
Deficiency of vitamin D is associated with several diseases in the body such as psoriasis, hair loss, blistering disorder, and acne.
Vitamin D isn’t available in most foods and is very useful for healthy skin and bones. Older folks are more susceptible to experiencing a lack of this essential vitamin.
7. Broccoli
Try eating raw broccoli to substitute your snack on the run or steam it gently if you have the time. Broccoli is known for its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. It is rich in folate, lutein, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins C & K, and calcium.
The vitamin C present in broccoli helps to improve the collagen-producing capacity of the body. Collagen enhances the elasticity and firmness of the skin.
8. Sweet Potatoes
Don’t wait until Thanksgiving before you eat sweet potatoes. Include it in your diet regularly. It is rich in beta carotene and its orange color comes from this essential nutrient. Beta carotene is an antioxidant that is converted into vitamin A which provides supple and youthful skin.
Sweet potatoes also contain vitamins C and E known for eliminating free radicals from the body for a healthy glow.
9. Fish Fat
There are a great number of fish species that contain omega 3 fatty acids. These fatty acids are a great source of vitamin E that makes your skin supple and fresh.
Fish fat contains a lot of zinc, a mineral that helps eliminate acne. Vitamin E improves skin moisturization and smoothness. Eat plenty of fish that contain these nourishments for glowing skin.
10. Nuts
These are a great source of vitamin B and C, which provide anti-aging functions and are good antioxidants. They also contain vitamin E, omega 3, omega 6 fatty acids, and zinc.
Nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts are also rich in folate which prevents dermatitis. You can boast of a younger appearance and healthier skin if you consume enough nuts regularly.
11. Blackberries
Polyphenol, the popular skin protectant, is a major component of blackberries. Blackberries are also rich in vitamins A, C, K, fibers, and several other antioxidants.
Polyphenols can be obtained from special plants when you consume them. They are transferred to your body system and provide very effective UV rays protection.
Blackberries can be added to your smoothie as they blend very well and taste great. They have anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties which promote youthful radiance.
